Bilstein B6 struts and shocks

I am taking the plunge. Time for front struts. The rear shocks were replaced a few months ago at the dealership so you can feel the difference between the front and rear. I am also getting an occasional rattle up front. Already replaced the front sway bar end links and the control arm bracket bushings at the dealership under warranty. I went over the front end a couple of weeks ago and couldn’t find anything wrong. You can’t see the strut mounts and with 93k on the Acadia, it is time to swap the struts.

In deciding what parts to go with, my first choice was a quick strut which is one that is already assembled and ready to go, no messing with springs and assembly of parts. I didn’t like the few choices available. I bought the KYB quick struts for my Impala but once I installed them, it looked like I lifted the car because the wheel gap was so bad. I gave it a month to settle and it didn’t. So I ended up removing the fronts and swapping in my stock springs. Problem solved. The rear quick struts were actually just right as the rear sagged with the stock springs. So I decided that picking a strut and renting a spring compressor was my choice and I decided the Bilstein B6s were it.

I don’t tow with the Acadia. Right now it is my highway cruiser back and forth to work. I hope to find another car to share in commuting as my weekly ride is 520 miles a week. My Impala was totaled in an accident a couple of weeks ago so the Acadia is my ride for now. I have been doing some things to it to make it mine and I chose the Bileteins to wake it up some in the handling department. I am expecting a firmer, more planted ride without being harsh. I realize I will give up some of the cush ride but that is to be expected. Shocks and struts will be here tomorrow. I ordered spring insulators, bellows boots and bump stops that will be here tomorrow also. All I have left is to order strut mounts and I am good to go.

Got the rear shocks installed this morning. Took it for a quick ride and the difference is real. I can’t wait to get the fronts done now. I can tell this is going to be better, more solid, just as I was hoping for. I have a pair of lightly used, almost new, GM shocks for the Acadia for sale…

Passenger side…

Driver side (forgot to get the pic before putting the wheel back on. Shoot me.)

Fronts are done. Short test drive home shows a noticeable difference in feel, not harsh at all. Ran up the interstate one exit to see how it felt merging, changing lanes and it felt better. It’ll get a good long ride on Monday to work and I’ll have a better feel for it.

The Maddox spring compressors I got from Harbor Freight worked well for this. Ended up costing me less than $30 out the door for them. I had to compress the springs pretty tight but not once did I feel nervous that they were gonna let loose. Don’t know when I will use them again but at least I have them.